Expression Microarray Analysis Reveals Alternative Splicing of LAMA3 and DST Genes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose

Prior studies have demonstrated tumor-specific alternative splicing events in various solid tumor types. The role of alternative splicing in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unclear. Our study queried exon-level expression to implicate splice variants in HNSCC tumors.

Experimental Design

We performed a comparative genome-wide analysis of 44 HNSCC tumors and 25 uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) tissue samples at an exon expression level. In our comparison we ranked genes based upon a novel score—the Maximum-Minimum Exon Score (MMES) – designed to predict the likelihood of an alternative splicing event occurring. We validated predicted alternative splicing events using quantitative RT-PCR on an independent cohort.

Results

After MMES scoring of 17,422 genes, the top 900 genes with the highest scores underwent additional manual inspection of expression patterns in a graphical analysis. The genes LAMA3, DST, VEGFC, SDHA, RASIP1, and TP63 were selected for further validation studies because of a high frequency of alternative splicing suggested in our graphical analysis, and literature review showing their biological relevance and known splicing patterns. We confirmed TP63 as having dominant expression of the short DeltaNp63 isoform in HNSCC tumor samples, consistent with prior reports. Two of the six genes (LAMA3 and DST) validated by quantitative RT-PCR for tumor-specific alternative splicing events (Student's t test, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Alternative splicing events of oncologically relevant proteins occur in HNSCC. The number of genes expressing tumor-specific splice variants needs further elucidation, as does the functional significance of selective isoform expression.

Introduction

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents the sixth most prevalent solid tumor reported annually [1]. These tumors predominantly arise from the epithelia of the upper aerodigestive tract. Prognostically HNSCC is a heterogeneous group with known clinicopathologic predictors of treatment response including TNM staging, tobacco consumption status, and presence of high-risk HPV infection [2]–[7]. The biological underpinnings explaining HNSCC tumorigenesis and diverse tumor behavior remain an area of ongoing investigation.

Recent advances in understanding the genetic mutational landscape of HNSCC have shed light upon upregulated oncogenic and disrupted tumor suppressor pathways contributing to this disease. The most prevalent mutations in HNSCC include TP53 and NOTCH1 genes, found in ∼50% and 15% of HNSCC tumors respectively [8], [9]. In addition to somatic mutations, additional drivers of tumorigenesis have been elucidated in HPV-associated oropharyngeal HNSCC, wherein human papilloma (HPV) viral oncogenic expression promotes degradation of important cell-cycle regulators such as retinoblastoma (Rb), thereby abrogating a critical tumor suppressor pathway [10].

Another avenue of gene expression regulation in cancer that is relatively under-investigated is alternative splicing—wherein the post-trascriptional modification of mature mRNA greatly increases the functional diversity of gene products. Widespread changes in splicing patterns have been demonstrated when comparing tumor and normal epithelial tissues of the breast and ovaries [11]. How these prevalent alternative splicing events are implicated in tumorigenesis is not presently clear.

Similar genome-wide studies of alternative splicing in HNSCC have not yet been reported. There is reason to believe that selective isoform expression may be relevant in HNSCC development. For example TP63 is a member of the p53 superfamily from which six major isoforms are transcribed—three short and three long isoforms share common upstream promoters. The short DeltaNp63 isoform is dominant in both normal epithelial cells and HNSCC, and furthermore DeltaNp63 appears to be selectively overexpressed in HNSCC tumor cells [12], [13]. Another p53 superfamily protein, p73, believed to mediate apoptosis in response to DNA damage, may be inactivated by interaction with the DeltaNp63 isoform as was shown previously [14]. This mechanism may demonstrate how differential isoform expression can promote tumorigenesis in the absence of a genetic mutation.

Various technologies have been employed in the detection of alternative splicing events. High-throughput quantitative RT-PCR utilizes massive libraries of isoform-specific primers [11]. Expression microarray platforms interrogate whole-transriptome mRNA via sequence-specific probes, and can provide exon-level expression data for comparison of known or putative isoform expression between samples [15]–[18]. RNA-seq uses deep sequencing techniques to characterize the entire transcriptome complete with quantitative description of specific isoform expression [19]. Regardless of the technology, it can be difficult to define and identify alternative splicing events. For example in an individual gene, expression of two isoforms in equal proportions may carry biological significance, whereas for another gene, expression of one isoform at a tenth of the level of a dominant isoform may carry great physiological importance. The maximum-minimum exon scoring model (MMES) developed in our study rewards large differences in exon expression levels within a single gene with higher scores, as a strategy for predicting alternative splicing.

Various approaches to exon array analysis have been utilized in the detection of alternative splicing events. Many studies utilize a variant of the splicing index calculation [17], [20]. This approach compares the signal of an individual probeset—relative to a summary signal of the corresponding gene—between two or more groups. The gene level summary signal is typically derived from averaging of probeset signals across the gene. The accuracy of this summary signal is crucial, as its value relative to an individual probeset signal is a key determinant of the splicing signal's predictive value. The variation of reliability weighted fold change (VFC) is another recent approach that analyzes the range of probeset values across the gene, and regards large intragenic probeset signal spreads as suggestive of alternative splicing. Our MMES model has elements of both the splicing index and VFC algorithms. MMES is sensitive to large ranges in maximum and minimum exon expression signals, as in the VFC model. Like the splicing index model, MMES compares individual probeset signals within a tumor to the signal within a normal, or different cohort. MMES differs, in that the comparison to normal probeset signals is for normalization of the tumor probeset signal, prior to calculating the maximum-minimum range of exon signals. This range is the metric that is ultimately used for ranking genes, as opposed to an index or ratio of tumor-to-normal probeset signals.

In this current investigation we employed the Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0ST mRNA expression array to detect alternative splicing events and differential isoform expression specific to HNSCC tumors in comparison to normal upper aerodigestive tract control tissues. We describe our methods for expression microarray analysis at an exon-level and results of validation studies to confirm tumor-specific splice variant expression of genes contributing to the cell-adhesion and cytoskeletal properties of cells.

Materials And Methods

Figure 1 demonstrates the experimental flow from tissue procurement to validation of tumor-specific alternative splicing events in our study.

Figure 1. Figure 1 demonstrates the experimental flow from tissue procurement to validation of tumor-specific alternative splicing events in our study.

Human Tissue Samples

Written consent was obtained from all participants for the procurement and study of human HNSCC tissue samples and normal mucosal tissues. The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (JHMI) institutional review board (IRB) approved this study and the consent procedure. Copies of all written consents are maintained by JHMI. Tissues were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately after collection. Microdissection of frozen tissue was performed to assure that more than 75% of tissue contained HNSCC. Microdissection was performed under supervision of Johns Hopkins Hospital head and neck pathologists (W.W and J.B.). For the discovery set, 44 samples of HNSCC and 25 samples of normal oropharyngeal epithelial tissue were used for the Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0 ST mRNA expression array. A separate validation set of 47 microdissected HNSCC tumors and 19 normal oropharyngeal epithelial tissues was used for the validation studies. All normal tissues were derived from patients who underwent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for obstructive sleep apnea.

RNA Extraction

Total RNA extraction from human tissue samples was performed using Trizol reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif., USA) using standard methods [21], [22].

RNA Analysis on the Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0ST Array

RNA from discovery set samples was labeled using the Whole Transcript Sense Target Labeling protocol described by Affymetrix and reagent from Ambion and Affymetrix. Briefly, 100 ng of total RNA was used to synthesize first strand cDNA using random oligonucleotides with T7 promoter as primer and the SuperScript Choice System (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, California). Following the double stranded cDNA synthesis, the double strand cDNA was purified using magnetic beads, and cRNA was generated through in vitro transcription. 10 ug of cRNA was then used to generate sense strand cDNA using random primer, dNTP-dUTP mix, and Superscript II reverse transcriptase (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, California). The resulting sense strand cDNA was then purified, fragmented using UDG and APE at 37 C for 60 minutes, and terminal labeled with biotinylated nucleotide and terminal DNA transferase at 37 C for 60 minutes. The labeled sense strand DNA was hybridized to the Affymetrix GeneChip human Exon 1.0 ST arrays for 17 hr at 45 C with constant rotation (60 rpm). Affymetrix Fluidics Station 450 was used to wash and stain the Chips, removing the non-hybridized target and incubating with a streptavidin-phycoerythrin conjugate to stain the biotinilated cDNA. The staining was further amplified using goat IgG as blocking reagent and biotinilated anti-streptavidin antibody (goat), followed by a second staining step with a streptavidin-phycoerythrin conjugate. Fluorescence was detected using the Affymetrix G3000 GeneArray Scanner and image analysis of each GeneChip was perfomed through the Affymetrix GeneChip Command Console version 3.4 (AGCC v3.4) software from Affymetrix. Data from this discovery set is available on the Gene Expression Omnibus, GSE33205.

This array interrogates the expression of gene transcripts on a whole-genome level. Over 1.4 million array probesets are designed to target exonic sequences within the human genome based upon a prediction model of exon boundaries described in the Affymetrix GeneChip Technical Note [15]. In general, probesets are designed to interrogate exonic sequences, without overlap in targeted sequences between probesets. We selected core probesets for analysis. Core probesets target genomic exonic sequences with the highest level of confidence based upon their design using RefSeq data and full-length mRNA annotations.

Array Analysis for Alternative Splicing Events

Affymetrix array core probeset data was normalized with the Robust Multiarray Average (RMA) method using the Bioconductor oligo package in R [23]. We apply this new approach, the Maximum-Minimum Exon Scoring (MMES) model, to rank genes for the presence of potential alternative splicing events. While some genes with only one annotated probeset (and presumably one exon) may truly exhibit alternative splicing events at novel splice sites, we limited our analysis to genes with at least three probesets (17,422 genes), for comparison of intragenic probeset signals in the MMES model. The flow of the model is as follows:

1. 1] After RMA normalization of all core probesets, every probeset signal in each individual tumor is normalized to the mean respective probeset signal in the normal samples, generating a value P_itN (i =  probeset ID, t =  tumor ID, N =  normalized) for each tumor.

2. 2] Many exons are interrogated by more than one probeset. A mean of all P_itN values for an individual exon is calculated for each tumor, generating a value Exon_et (e =  exon ID, t =  tumor ID).

3. 3] In each tumor, for each gene the difference between the maximum Exon_et and minimum Exon_et is calculated, generating one MMES score per gene, per tumor. A mean tumor MMES score for each gene can be calculated, and a rank list generated with higher mean tumor scores suggesting putative alternative splicing events. Larger differences in the relative expression levels of exons within a single gene are rewarded with higher MMES scores. Greater frequency of high MMES scores within the tumor cohort for a particular gene are reflected by a higher mean MMES score, and consequently ranked more highly.

4. 4] From the MMES generated rank list (Table S2), the top 900 scoring genes were further subjected to a visual screening process. Visual screening begins with a graphical comparison of the discovery tumor cohort and UPPP sample expression array data. DST gene expression data is used as an example (Figure S4C). All core probesets annotated to DST are presented on the horizontal axis from 5′ (left) to 3′ (right) end. The vertical axis represents the RMA normalized probeset expression signal on a log₂ scale. The flat horizontal tracing represents the mean signal in all probesets across both tumors and normals rounded down to the nearest whole number and merely provides a convenient horizontal reference. The irregular tracing represents for each probeset the difference in the means of the tumor and normal samples relative to the horizontal line indicating zero. This provides a view of the difference shifted to the bulk of the individual data points. The histogram in Figure S4C describes the number of tumor samples that have probeset signals one standard deviation greater (or less) than the corresponding mean probeset signal in the UPPP cohort. The graphical representation in Figure S4C provides an overview of differential exonal expression between the tumor and UPPP cohorts that may suggest alternative splicing. All probesets can be mapped to corresponding exons (Figure S4C top) using publicly available annotation maps from the human genome 18 (hg18) assembly. Because meaningful alternative splicing may occur in a subset of tumor samples, manual graphical screening of individual tumors is then necessary. Figure 2A illustrates this process. Two individual tumor plots are illustrated. Again with the exon annotation displayed above. The horizontal axis of the tumor plots again displays all probesets for DST. The vertical axis here represents a select tumor's relative probeset expression compared to the mean for that probeset of the UPPP cohort that is represented by the zero level. By examining individual tumor plots we identify putative alternative splicing events that occur in a significant number of individual samples with less ‘noise’ than may be seen from overall comparisons of tumor and UPPP cohorts.

Figure 2. Splice variants of DST demonstrated in exon array analysis (A and B) and quantitative RT-PCR validation (C and D).

A, Example of discovery HNSCC primary tumor samples (25016 and 25579) demonstrating dominant expression of 1e and 1eA isoforms, respectively. Uppermost box displays all exons for both isoforms of DST. Middle and lower boxes display exon-specific array probesets along horizontal axis, and probeset signal relative to normal (0) on the vertical axis, log₂ scale. For each probeset, the inset histograms display the number of standard deviations from the mean probeset signal in UPPP samples, that the probeset signal deviates in each individual tumor. B, Splice index calculations [Absolute Copy # of DST isoform / (1e + 1eA)] in 15 discovery tumor samples. C, Comparison of mean splicing index for DST isoforms in an independent validation set of 47 HNSCC tumors vs. 19 UPPP samples, two-tailed Student’s t test, p<0.0001.

Validation of Alternative Splicing by Quantitative RT-PCR

We selected 15 tumors from the discovery set for validation of select alternative splicing candidates from our MMES prediction model. For each selected tumor, 2 micrograms of RNA was converted to cDNA using the Quanta Biosciences qScript cDNA SuperMix using standard methods, producing a total of 20 microliters of cDNA [24]. A 5-fold dilution of cDNA with DNAse and RNAse-treated sterile water was performed to conserve finite tumor RNA, for a final cDNA concentration of 20 ng/microliter in 100 microliters total volume. Conversion of RNA to cDNA from the 47 tumors and 19 UPPP tissues samples of the validation set was performed in an identical fashion.

Quantitative RT-PCR was performed using custom primer and probe sets specific to each splice variant (Table S1.), as well as 18 S as a housekeeping gene. 30 nanograms of cDNA was run in an Applied Biosystem Taqman 7900 HT real-time PCR machine. Splice-variant specific amplicons were generated using splice variant-specific primers in conventional PCR with JHU 011 and Fadu cell line RNA templates. Serial 10-fold dilutions of amplicons were used for standards during quantitative RT-PCR for absolute quantification of splice variant copy number.

To compare splicing patterns between tumor samples and UPPP samples, splicing indices were calculated for the each gene as:

Data was analyzed using Stata v11.0 statistical analyses software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). Splicing Indices were compared between tumor and UPPP normal tissue cohorts for significant differences using 2-tailed Student's t test with assumption of unequal variance.

Results

The clinicopathologic characteristics of discovery and validation tumors and UPPP normal samples are presented in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4. All tumors were squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract originating in subsites of the oral cavity, oropharynx, or larynx. Tobacco and alcohol exposure history, and tumor staging are also reported.

Table 1. Demographic characteristics of discovery tumor and UPPP normal tissue samples.

Demographics
	Tumor n  =  44	Normal n  =  25	P-value
Mean Age (Years)	57.2	29	P<0.0001
Gender
Male	31	10	P = 0.013
Female	13	15
Race
White	40	14	P = 0.001
Black	3	11
Other	1	0
Tobacco
Yes	29	3	P<0.001
No	14	22
Unknown	1	0
Alcohol
Yes	19	3	P<0.001
No	24	22
Unknown	1	0

Table 2. Discovery tumor clinical characteristics.

Tumor Staging
Tumor Site
Oral Cavity	11
Oropharynx	20
Larynx	13
T Stage
1	14
2	11
3	7
4	11
Unknown	1
N Stage
0	15
1	5
2a	6
2b	14
2c	4
3	0
M Stage
0	44
1	0
TNM Stage
I/II	2
III/IV	42

Table 3. Demographic characteristics of validation tumor and UPPP normal tissue samples.

Demographics
	Tumor n  =  47	Normal n  =  19	P-value
Mean Age (Years)	59.3	31.6	P<0.0001
Gender
Male	41	7	P<0.001
Female	6	12
Race
White	33	13	P = 0.824
Black	9	3
Other	5	3
Tobacco
Yes	31	7	P = 0.012
No	13	12
Unknown	3	0
Alcohol
Yes	18	1	P = 0.005
No	26	18
Unknown	3	0

Table 4. Validation tumor clinical characteristics.

Tumor Staging
Tumor Site
Oral Cavity	11
Oropharynx	20
Larynx	16
T Stage
1	6
2	18
3	14
4	9
N Stage
1	17
2a	10
2b	1
2c	16
3	3
M Stage
0	47
1	0
TNM Stage
I/II	0
III/IV	47

Using our prediction model for alternative splicing events, 17,422 genes were ranked by MMES score (Table S1). We subsequently performed a manual gene plot review of the top 900 ranked genes to identify the strongest candidates amongst this group for differential alternative splicing between tumors and UPPP normal samples. These plots are available for download in PDF format from the online supplement. From these 900 candidate genes, 40 were designated as strong candidates for differential alternative splicing after manual gene plot review. We reviewed the literature on the biological relevance of these 40 genes, and selected six genes from the manual gene plot review that demonstrated high likelihood of validating alternative splicing events. These six genes included LAMA3A, DST, RASIP1, SDHA, VEGFC, and TP63. Table 5 summarizes the chromosomal location, function, and pathologic implications reported for these genes in the literature. For each gene, we attempted quantitative RT-PCR validation of 15 selected discovery tumors followed by verification of alternative splicing events in 47 tumors and 19 UPPP normal samples from the validation set, where we were able to validate both LAMA3 and DST. For the TP63 gene we confirmed a markedly predominant expression of the shorter DeltaNp63 isoform that has been previously reported for epithelia of the upper aerodigestive tract [12], [13]. We include these results here to demonstrate the detection of splice variants by way of expression array analysis. RASIP1, SDHA, VEGFC confirmatory RT-PCR studies did not validate alternative splicing events predicted from microarray analysis and results are summarized in the Supporting Information (Figures S1, S2, and S3). For all samples tested, all results have been normalized to 18 S expression.

Table 5. Descriptive summary of genes selected for quantitative RT-PCR validation of alternative splicing events.

Gene Name	Chromosome	# Ref Seq Isoforms	Protein Function	Pathologic Implications
LAMA3	chr18:21,452,984-21,535,029	4	Subunit of Laminin-332: extracellular linker between BM and cell-surface integrins	Overexpression of laminin-332 in squamous cell carcinomas promotes invasion
DST	chr6:56,322,785-56,507,694	2	Links intracellular cytoskeleton to extracellular hemidesmosomes	Implicated in bullous pemphigoid
RASIP1	chr19:49,223,842-49,243,970	1	Essential role in vascular endothelial development	Unknown
SDHA	chr5:218,356-256,814	1	Krebs cycle cell metabolism protein subunit	Somatic mutations described in paraganglioma and GIST*
VEGFC	chr4:177,604,691-177,713,895	1	Ligand to the VEGFR3 receptor	Implicated in angiogenesis in breast cancer
TP63	chr3:189,349,216-189,615,068	6	Inhibits p73-mediated apoptosis, promoting cell survival	DeltaN isoform is overexpressed in HNSCC

TP63 Isoform Expression

TP63 RefSeq annotations demonstrate six major isoforms of this gene. Three longer isoforms (TAp63) share ten consecutive exons from the 5′-end (TP63 TA isoforms NM_001114979.1, NM__001114978.1, and NM_003722.4). Three shorter isoforms (DeltaNp63) share eight consecutive exons from the 5′-end (DeltaNp63 isoforms, NM__001114980.1, NM__001114982.1, NM__001114981.1). In our exon array analysis, manual review of TP63 gene plots predicted 25 of 44 tumor samples with a splicing pattern predominantly expressing the shorter DeltaNp63 isoforms. Figure 3 demonstrates select individual tumors with either DeltaNp63 or TAp63 predominant expression (Figure 3A), and a TP63 gene plot comparing all tumors to UPPP normal samples (Figure S4A), predicting that overall tumors have a higher predominance of DeltaNp63 isoform expression.

Figure 3. Splice variants of TP63 demonstrated in exon array analysis (A) and quantitative RT-PCR validation (B and C).

A, Example of discovery HNSCC primary tumor samples predicted to have dominant expression of TAp63 (long) and DeltaNp63 (short) isoforms, respectively. Uppermost box displays all exons for long and short isoforms of TP63. Middle and lower boxes display exon-specific array probesets along horizontal axis, and probeset signal relative to normal (0) on the vertical axis, log₂ scale. For each probeset, the inset histograms display the number of standard deviations from the mean probeset signal in UPPP samples, that the probeset signal deviates in each individual tumor. B, Splice index calculations [Absolute Copy # of TP63 isoform / (TAp63+ DeltaNp63)] in 15 discovery tumor samples. C, Comparison of mean splicing index for TP63 isoforms in an independent validation set of 47 HNSCC tumors vs. 19 UPPP samples, two-tailed Student’s t test, P = 0.980.

Subsequent quantitative RT-PCR validation of 15 discovery set tumors showed dominant expression of the DeltaNp63 isoforms (Figure 3B). Our independent validation set further demonstrated dominant expression of the DeltaNp63 isoform in both tumors and UPPP samples so that there was no difference in the relative proportion of DeltaNp63 and TAp63 isoform expression between tumor and UPPP samples (two-tailed Student's t test, P = 0.980, Figure 3C). Quantitative RT-PCR however did demonstrate overexpression of the DeltaNp63 isoform in tumors relative to UPPP samples within the validation set (two-tailed Student's t test, P = 0.006), consistent with prior reports in literature [12], [13], [25].

Alternative Splicing of LAMA3

LAMA3 RefSeq annotations demonstrate four major isoforms of this gene, with the two shorter isoforms (LAMA3A NM_001127718.1 and NM_000227.3) excluding the 36 consecutive most 5′ exons, and full-length LAMA3B variants (LAMA3B NM_001127717.1 and NM_198129.1). In our exon array analysis, manual review of LAMA3 gene plots demonstrated 23 of 44 tumor samples with a splicing pattern predominantly expressing the shorter LAMA3A isoforms. Figure 4 demonstrates select individual tumors with either LAMA3A or LAMA3B predominant expression (Figure 4A), and a LAMA3 gene plot comparing all tumors to UPPP normal samples (Figure S4B), predicting that overall tumors have a higher predominance of LAMA3A short isoform expression.

Figure 4. Splice variants of LAMA3 demonstrated in exon array analysis (A) and quantitative RT-PCR validation (B and C).

A, Example of discovery HNSCC primary tumor samples (25059 and 25282) demonstrating dominant expression of LAMA3A and LAMA3B isoforms, respectively. Uppermost box displays all exons for both isoforms of LAMA3. Middle and lower boxes display exon-specific array probesets along horizontal axis, and probeset signal relative to normal (0) on the vertical axis, log₂ scale. For each probeset, the inset histograms display the number of standard deviations from the mean probeset signal in UPPP samples, that the probeset signal deviates in each individual tumor. B, Splice index calculations [Absolute Copy # of LAMA3A isoform / (LAMA3A + LAMA3B)] in 15 discovery tumor samples. C, Comparison of mean splicing index for LAMA3 isoforms in an independent validation set of 47 HNSCC tumors vs. 19 UPPP samples, two-tailed Student’s t test, p<0.0001.

Subsequent quantitative RT-PCR validation of 15 discovery set tumors corroborated the gene plot predictions of either LAMA3A or LAMA3B predominant expression (Figure 4B). Our independent validation set further confirmed that in tumors, LAMA3A isoforms comprised a significantly greater proportion of all LAMA3 transcripts as compared to UPPP normal samples (two-tailed Student's t test, p<0.0001, Figure 4C).

Alternative Splicing of DST

DST RefSeq annotations demonstrate five major isoforms for this gene. Our manual review of DST gene plots predicted predominant expression of either the short isoform (1e, NM__001723.5)—excluding the eight most 3′ exons, and including a long sequence that is intronic and not transcribed in the longer isoforms—or one of four longer isoforms that we probed with a ‘common’ primer/probeset (1eA, NM__183380.3; Isoform 3 NM_001144770.1; Isoform 2, NM__001144769.2; Isoform 1, NM__183380.3). In our exon array analysis, manual review of DST gene plots demonstrated 14 of 44 tumor samples with a splicing pattern predominantly expressing the shorter 1e isoform. Figure 3 demonstrates select tumors with either 1e or longer isoform predominant expression (Figure 2A), and a DST gene plot comparing all tumors to UPPP normal samples (Figure S4C), showing that overall tumors have a higher predominance of 1e short isoform expression.

Subsequent quantitative RT-PCR validation of 15 discovery set tumors corroborated the gene plot predictions of either 1e or longer isoform predominant expression (Figure 2B). Our independent validation set demonstrated that in tumors, 1e comprised a significantly greater proportion of all DST transcripts as compared to UPPP normal samples (two-tailed Student's t test, p<0.0001, Figure 2C).

Discussion

The expression of multiple unique transcripts from a single genetic sequence can greatly increase the influence of a single gene on diverse biological processes [26]. Alternative splicing may be relevant in the pathophysiology of various cancers as well. For the gene TP63 our results were consistent with prior work reporting a predominance of DeltaNp63 isoform expression in malignant-transformed upper aerodigestive tract epithelium. In this study we utilized an exon expression microarray platform to detect tumor-specific alternative splicing events in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and found a significant difference in the transcriptional pattern of LAMA3 and DST, two genes involved in cell adhesion and cytoskeletal structure respectively. This is consistent with prior research in squamous cell carcinoma suggesting a shift in isoform expression patterns for these two genes.

The potential oncologic role for alternative splicing in HNSCC has not been well characterized. Alternative splicing may significantly influence the transcriptional milieu in HNSCC as it does in other tumor types. Large genome-wide studies of ovarian and breast cancer illuminate the common occurrence of alternative splicing in the post-transcriptional processing of mRNA. Venables et al 2009 designed a massive RT-PCR screening primer library for all alternative splicing events annotated in the RefSeq database, totaling 2,168 [11], [27], [28]. The metric used in this study to describe prevalence of individual isoforms was analogous to that in our study—[concentration of long isoform]/[concentration of all isoforms expressed]. The authors defined alternative splicing as occurring if the proportion of two or more isoforms each was greater than 10% of the denominator. Of greater than 600 alternative splicing events detected in both ovarian and breast samples, over half of these patterns were reversed in ovarian and breast cancer samples relative to respective normal tissues, emphasizing a broad change in splicing patterns that evolved in tumor development. In addition to using changes in splicing patterns as biomarkers for cancer, the need for functional investigations is clear.

In various other solid tumors including lung and colon cancer, the Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0ST expression microarray platform has been used to identify alternative splicing events that differ between normal and cancer tissue [17], [18], albeit on a much more limited set of genes than detected on Venables et al's RT-PCR screening platform. Often at the validation stage of putative cancer-specific alternative splicing, five to ten genes remain for which RT-PCR validation corroborates array predictions. The difficulty of detecting splice variants via array analysis is apparent in these studies. The flow of basic array analysis for detecting alternative splicing events in cancer requires: 1] quality control analysis of raw array data; 2] normalization of probeset level data across multiple sample arrays; 3] a semi-quantitative comparison of exon expression between tissue types (cancer vs. normal); 4] manual review of exon-level data often in graphical format; 5] followed by validation of array predictions [18]. Step 3 generates a gene rank list of putative alternative splicing events, whereas Step 4 manually selects from this rank list candidates most likely to validate, with knowledge of the annotated structure of the gene and known splice variants. In expression microarray comparison of cancerous and normal tissues, no strict threshold exists after which one can predict with absolutely certainty that the splicing pattern has changed until the validation step. Most often expression of one isoform does not imply complete suppression of the other; rather both comprise a proportion of a particular gene's transcripts.

Few recent studies have discussed the importance of this process in HNSCC, and the functional significance is even less understood [29], [30]. Despite the promise of genome-wide analysis via expression microarray to detect alternative splicing events, few studies have validated events in more than two or three genes in HNSCC. We likewise have validated the differential expression of LAMA3 and DST isoforms in HNSCC compared to normal tissues.

In comparing tumor and normal upper aerodigestive tract tissues, our expression microarray analysis suggested a quantitative difference in expression levels of select isoforms for several genes known to be involved in cell adhesion processes, of particular interest in cancer studies. Microarray design relies upon accurate oligonucleotide probe designs, targeting unique exon sequences or exon-exon junctions—for the array used in this study, junctional probes were not available. Probe-based gene expression profiling has intrinsic limitations, including the requirement to have prior knowledge of exonic sequences for design, the risk of cross-hybridization to non-specific targets, a potentially non-linear dynamic range of probe signals relative to expression levels, and background signals that may be difficult to overcome. Newer RNA-seq technologies can sequence entire cell transcriptomes with high accuracy, and potentially quantify individual isoform expression levels [19]. The deep-sequencing technology used here does not rely upon sequence-specific probes. Consequently RNA-seq may more precisely characterize novel isoforms for which exon-exon boundaries are not known with certainty. Significant challenges remain in RNA-seq analysis—accurate alignment of sequence reads is an evolving area of research, as is the accurate quantification of individual exon expression levels, as coverage may not be uniform even over an individual gene [31].

LAMA3 isoforms comprise the alpha subunit of several laminin-class heterotrimeric, extracellular proteins within the basement membrane of epithelial linings of the upper aerodigestive tract, intestinal lining, skin, lungs, and cervix [32]. The LAMA3A isoform is a subunit of laminin 332, which is highly expressed in squamous cell carcinomas, and may be associated with reduced patient survival as well as increased tumor invasiveness [33], [34]. The LAMA3B isoform comprises the alpha subunit of another laminin (3B32) that has not been implicated in squamous cell carcinoma to date. The LAMA3A isoform lacks the N-terminal domain (LN) of the full-length LAMA3 transcript LAMA3B. The LN domain is necessary for the polymerization of laminins and promotion of epithelial basement membrane stability [35]. Both isoforms contain the globular C-terminal domains necessary for interactions with extracellular membrane integrins that can affect intracellular signaling cascades. How preferential expression of LAMA3A in HNSCC affects tumor invasiveness requires further investigation.

A recent study compared LAMA3 expression in HNSCC tumors that were scored as having high versus low hypoxic microenvironments based upon a 99-gene hypoxia expression panel [36]. In tumors with higher hypoxia scores, expression of the LAMA3A isoform was greater compared to tumors with low hypoxia scores. However the LAMA3B isoform was not differentially expressed. HNSCC cell lines subjected to hypoxic conditions did not replicate the hypoxia-associated increase in LAMA3A expression. This study focused on differential expression of LAMA3 isoforms in biologically different tumors. Our results compare primary HNSCC tumors to normal tissue and confirm a tumor-specific predeliction for LAMA3A isoform expression. The pathophysiological implications of LAMA3A overexpression, and characterization of laminin 332 expression in HNSCC is a new area of interest.

DST encodes the sequence for the cytoskeletal bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 (BPAG1) protein that has multiple isoforms variably expressed in different tissue types [37],[38]. Keratinocytes predominantly express the cytoplasmic-expressed 1e isoform, with lower expression levels of alternative isoforms. While BPAG1 mutations are implicated in bullous pemphigoid blistering diseases, little is known about a potential role in cancer [39]. Like LAMA3A, isoform 1e interacts with the critical integrin alpha6beta4 that facilitates keratinocyte adhesion to the basement membrane [40]. mRNA and protein expression studies using in-situ hybridization and indirect immunofluorescence respectively have shown both 5 to 10-fold increased expression of the 1e isoform in head and neck squamous carcinoma compared to normal upper aerodigestive tract epithelial cells, and aberrant delocalization of this protein away from the basal membrane, the usual site of hemidesmosomal expression [40]. In squamous carcinomas both alpha6beta4 integrin and 1e protein expression was distributed along all cell membranes, having lost their polarized expression. In addition, diminished hemidesmosomal formation was seen on electron microscopic analysis of the same tumors, with apparent greater loss in metastatic tumors [39]. Our study corroborates increased 1e mRNA expression in a large series of HNSCC tumors compared to normal controls.

In conclusion alternative splicing events of oncologically relevant proteins do occur in HNSCC. The number of genes expressing tumor-specific splice variants needs further elucidation, as does the functional significance of selective isoform expression.

Supporting Information

Figure S1

VEGFC .

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Figure S2

SDHA .

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Figure S3

RASIP1 .

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Figure S4

Visual screening begins with a graphical comparison of the discovery tumor cohort and UPPP sample expression array data. A,TP63 gene. Comparing the mean expresssion of each probeset in the entire discovery tumor set to the mean in the entire discovery UPPP set. The mean probeset signals for the UPPP sample set have been zeroed (horizontal line), with adjustment of tumor cohort mean probeset signals (oscillating line), log₂ scale. B, LAMA3 gene. Comparing the mean expresssion of each probeset in the entire discovery tumor set to the mean in the entire discovery UPPP set. The mean probeset signals for the UPPP sample set have been zeroed (horizontal line), with adjustment of tumor cohort mean probeset signals (oscillating line), log₂ scale. C, DST gene. Comparing the mean expresssion of each probeset in the entire discovery tumor set to the mean in the entire discovery UPPP set. The mean probeset signals for the UPPP sample set have been zeroed (horizontal line), with adjustment of tumor cohort mean probeset signals (oscillating line), log₂ scale.

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Table S1

Splice variant-specific custom primer and probe sequences.

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Table S2

MMES Gene Rank List.

(XLSX)

Funding Statement

Funding was obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) sources. These included the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence grant and Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (T32). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.